The biggest news that got everyone talking and complaining about last week was the unprecedented haze that we experienced in Singapore. The haze started on 13 June 2013 when everyone started to notice that it was getting smokey in the air. And by 21 June 2013, the Pollutants Standards Index (PSI) rose to an all time hazardous level of 401, where you can clearly notice the drop in visibility even for buildings that are nearby!
Like many Singaporeans, I was angry that our neighbor who allowed this to happened in their land was not only nonchalant about the whole matter and even called us childish! I was also worried especially for Sophie’s health as the news reported that this whole thing could persist for weeks right up to October as we’re in a very dry season now with no signs of rain in sight.
We bought our masks, closed all our windows and doors and continued to monitor the PSI closely via social media. But the more I did that, the more it looked like a doom and gloom situation. It was only until the weekends, that I started to slow down to take stock of the whole issue and began to have a change of heart when I turned my eyes from what’s seen to what’s unseen and prayed for God’ intervention.
And you know how fear feeds on fear? I decided that in my own capacity, I could choose to spread fear or hope and decided to do the latter.
So I posted these on my Facebook on Saturday, 22 June 2013.
“While the haze may have stalled our outdoor activity plans, don’t let it dampen your spirits and make the best of everyday you have.”
“Praise the Lord, we’re seeing clear skies and the air feels fresher already. Airing my house with my windows and door open wide. It’s so humbling to be reminded to always be thankful for the things we take for granted.”
And you know what, the haze situation did improve on the weekends! And everyone was so happy to see clearer skies and we even managed to air the home for a short while. We had fun baking pizza for dinner yesterday as we thought we may have to be holed up at home for much longer.
While we have been warned not to let our guard down and be prepared that the PSI may continue to be high, let us also remember that in all times, to be thankful.
- Thankful that we had a respite over the weekends to spend with the family
- Thankful that we don’t have it as bad as our neighbour who had to declare a state of emergency when their air pollutant standards shot up to over 700
- Thankful that we’re still a caring society with people who care to share their masks
- Thankful that we have a government who acted swiftly to help the citizens
Remember, there is always something to be thankful for!
Do link up every Monday with my Motivational Mondays post. Don’t forget to grab my badge and include it in your post after you have linked up and leave me a comment too. I will be hosting Motivational Monday every week and I hope that you can join me every Monday. Have a great week ahead!
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I’m grateful for the clear weather today!
Me too, Sandra! It’s so easy to take the fresh air we have for granted. After this, not anymore 🙂
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Indeed.. always something to be thankful for 🙂
the haze was a timely reminder that I really need to prep for emergencies better and have a “BCP plan” at home too haha
Ai @ Sakura Haruka
Yes. Me and hubby also said that in future, we got to have N95 masks in our medicine box too.
Good idea to keep the masks in case we need it again. We all learn from experience, whether positive or negative, not practical to play the blame game.
Yes, we all just want solutions to the problem. But glad that the companies responsible for the fires have been named and shamed soon.
I agree that we all got caught up with the blame game at some point. Like you, I only started feeling better on Saturday morning when I read accounts of how fellow Singaporeans were helping one another out because I realized then that there is a beautiful Singaporean spirit that really shone through the haze! I felt a little silly being so inward looking prior to that. Whatever it is, I’m really thankful for the clearer skies!